Department for Transport

High Speed 2 Line: Trains

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 20 December 2021 (HL4859), whether HS2 trains will be capable of usingthe standard UK Network Rail station platforms without modification.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The rolling stock currently procured by HS2 Ltd will be capable of using the standard British Network Rail station platforms without modifications.

High Speed 2 Line: Railway Stations

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 20 December 2021 (HL4859), whether conventional UK passenger trains will be able to use the same platforms without modification.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: It is unlikely that existing conventional British passenger trains would be able to use the HS2 platforms. HS2 platforms are offset further from the track than the conventional network and trains will therefore need a deployable step to bridge the gap from the train to the platform. The HS2 rolling stock, which is being procured to be compatible with the conventional network, has such a step. The only British trains with similar deployable steps (built for Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and Transport for Wales) are designed for a 915mm platform, so would have a step up to an HS2 platform. All other conventional trains would have an unacceptably large horizontal gap to an HS2 platform. Existing conventional compatible stock is unlikely to comply with other HS2 standards which might prevent access to the HS2 network. Future procurements of rolling stock on the conventional network could be compatible with HS2 infrastructure and platforms if the train is specified to meet HS2 standards and has a deployable step.

High Speed 2 Line: Railway Stations

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 20 December 2021 (HL4859), what is the expected time saving for (1) boarding, and (2) disembarking, at an HS2 station for similar door widths and passenger numbers between (a) an HS2 train, and (b) a standard UK train, using a station with a platform height of 1115mm above rail.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: An existing, standard British train would not be compatible with HS2 platforms due to the larger offset and height. Future procurements of ‘standard’ trains would need to adopt the same deployable step arrangement as HS2’s rolling stock to be compatible with both platform positions. If comparing (a) an HS2 train at an 1115mm HS2 platform and (b) a standard train at a 915mm conventional platform, HS2 Ltd predicts that boarding and disembarking for the HS2 train at the 1115mm platform would be up to 30% quicker than the standard train at the 915mm platform given comparable intercity rolling stock and door arrangements. This is because existing intercity trains require two steps upwards from platform to step, and step to vestibule. HS2 trains and platforms will have near-level boarding with only a shallow ramp from platform to vestibule.

Railway Stations

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 20 December 2021 (HL4859), which stations (1) on HS2 lines, or (2) elsewhere,will have platform heights of 1115mm above rail.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: (1) The following HS2 stations will have a platform height of 1115 mm: Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange, Curzon Street. Subject to Royal Assent of draft legislation currently before Parliament, Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly will have the same height.(2) On the conventional network the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) standards specify a nominal height of 915mm. Platform heights may vary due to maintenance and historic reasons. Please note that the Crossrail central core and the Heathrow Express both have platforms at 1100mm to facilitate level boarding.

Transport: CCTV

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 10 March (HL6409), how many Chinese technology cameras made by (1) Hikvision, and (2) Dahua Technology, are currently in use in (a) train stations, (b) airports, and (c) bus stations, in the UK.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: As has been the case under successive administrations, it is not Government policy to comment on security arrangements at UK transport sites.

Old Oak Common Station: Construction

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the latest budget estimate for the Old Oak Common station on the Great Western Main Line; how many platform faces are included; and whether this is included in the overall HS2 budget as set out in the integrated Rail Plan.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Old Oak Common will contain 14 platforms: 6 subterranean High Speed platforms and 8 conventional rail platforms.Within the Target Cost for Phase One - which is included in the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) - the budget allocated by HS2 Ltd for Old Oak Common station, including contingency for risk, is £1.67bn (2019 prices). A more detailed breakdown of costs cannot be provided as this information is commercially sensitive.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Sanctions: Russia

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to further reduce the time given for Russian oligarchs to register UK property under the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill.

Lord Callanan: The Government brought forward amendments to the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill to shorten the deadline for overseas companies already owning land in England and Wales, and Scotland, to register their beneficial owners from 18 months to 6 months. This will help crack down on money laundering through UK property, whilst giving people who hold their property in overseas entities for legitimate reasons appropriate time to comply with the new requirements. The Bill has now received Royal Assent.The vast majority of the beneficial owners of entities holding properties on the register will be entirely law-abiding. A 6-month transition period strikes a balance in allowing for the free enjoyment of property and maintaining the UK’s reputation as a stable investment environment whilst ensuring property owners register their beneficial owners.We will give owners six months to register, because if they do not comply in time their property rights will be affected. The Government does not interfere with individuals’ rights lightly and this interference could not have reasonably been expected when such rights were acquired. It is important to remember that the majority of properties will be held via overseas entities by entirely law-abiding people.The new register is a measure designed to inform investigatory work by the National Crime Agency and others, and will help clean up our property market in the long-term. It is not a necessary precondition of taking swift action to sanction individuals now.

Economic Crime: Civil Proceedings

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to include anti-strategic legal action against public participation (SLAPPS) law in the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill.

Lord Callanan: My Rt. Hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is giving Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (‘SLAPPs’) and libel reform in UK courts urgent consideration in light of reports that Russia and its allies may be funding litigation against free speech in the UK. Urgent consideration is being given what action can be taken across government to prevent acts by domestic or hostile entities that risk damaging the reputation of our judicial and legal profession. In doing so we are committed to a robust defence of transparency, rule of law and freedom of speech. An announcement will be made very shortly.

Nuclear Power

Lord McNicol of West Kilbride: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish the nuclear energy roadmap for deployment referred to in the Net Zero Strategy, published on 19 October 2021.

Lord Callanan: New nuclear has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, as well as contributing to our energy security and delivering a low-cost, diverse, and resilient energy system. The Government will publish a roadmap for new nuclear deployment, including large-scale and advanced nuclear technologies, this year.

Energy Supply

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia, what plans they have to strengthen energy security in the UK.

Lord Callanan: The UK does not face questions around security of supply but of high prices. Unlike other countries in Europe, Great Britain is not dependent on Russian gas; in 2021 it made up less than 4% of UK supply. Great Britain benefits from highly diverse and flexible sources of gas supply and a diverse electricity mix, which ensures that households, businesses and industry get the energy they need. The Government continues to work closely with key international and industry partners to monitor gas supply and demand, and the Government remains confident that Great Britain’s energy security will be maintained. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world has seen volatile oil and gas prices, which were already at historic highs. Further energy price rises cannot be ruled out, given Russia’s aggressive actions. The energy price cap insulates millions of customers from volatile global gas prices during the winter months and will continue to do so. Great Britain’s exposure to volatile gas prices reinforces the importance of this government’s plans for a strong renewable energy sector to strengthen future energy security and resilience.

Gas-cooled Reactors: Construction

Lord McNicol of West Kilbride: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many high-temperature gas-cooled reactors they intend to authorise for construction in the UK to provide certainty to the UK nuclear fuel supply chain.

Lord Callanan: The Department’s Advanced Nuclear Fund includes funding for an Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme which aims to enable a High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) demonstration by the early 2030s to understand the potential of the technology.We have published a stakeholder engagement note which set out a proposed three phase approach. The development of the UK nuclear supply chain will be considered as part of the Programme.

Department of Health and Social Care

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Diagnosis

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the devolved administrations regarding the diagnosis arrangements for (1) dementia, and (2) Alzheimer’s, across the UK.

Lord Kamall: There have been no specific discussions as the diagnosis arrangements for dementia and Alzheimer’s in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a devolved matter.

Coronavirus: Drugs

Baroness Rawlings: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Kamall on 15 March (HL6625), why antiviral treatments for COVID-19 can only beprescribed by a clinician within a COVID Medicine Delivery Unit and are notavailable for general practice prescribing and purchase directly from pharmacies.

Lord Kamall: Eligibility for treatments for non-hospitalised patients at highest risk following infection with COVID-19 is set out in a United Kingdom-wide clinical access policy agreed by the Government’s Chief Medical Officer. This policy provides four treatment options; an intravenous monoclonal antibody; an intravenous antiviral; and two oral antiviral options. The decision on the choice of treatment is led by the prescribing clinician who will consider the relative effectiveness of the medicines and the suitability for the individual patient. The intravenous treatments are typically provided in a hospital clinic setting and the oral treatments can usually be sent to the patient’s home or collected on the patient’s behalf from a named pharmacy.Due to the current range of treatment options available, the targeted cohort of patients receiving treatment - many of whom will be managing health conditions with the support of hospital specialists - and the need to carefully manage available supply, approximately 100 COVID Medicine Delivery Units in England offer an integrated triage and treatment service. COVID-19 treatments within the UK are only available to eligible patients following a clinical assessment and are provided free of charge. These treatments cannot currently be purchased as an over-the-counter medicine. Any decisions on the longer-term deployment of COVID-19 treatments beyond the highest risk groups will be subject to the outcomes of the PANORAMIC study on the effectiveness of antivirals in the UK population.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Diagnosis

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to reduce the delays in undertaking diagnosis arrangements for patients with (1) dementia, and (2) Alzheimer’s, in England.

Lord Kamall: NHS England and NHS Improvement continue to monitor the monthly dementia diagnosis rate and provide analysis on trends at a regional and sustainability and transformation partnership level to aid targeted recovery efforts.In 2021/22, the Government allocated £17 million to NHS England and NHS Improvement to address dementia waiting lists and increase the number of diagnoses. This funding was made available to clinical commissioning groups in June 2021. Later this year we will set out our plans for dementia in England, which will include a focus on dementia diagnosis.

Osteoporosis

Baroness Merron: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce health inequalities for people with osteoporosis.

Lord Kamall: The NHS Best MSK Health initiative includes a programme aimed at addressing health inequalities in planned care for those with musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular focus on the gender disparity in access to treatment and outcomes faced by women with osteoporosis.As part of the forthcoming Women’s Health Strategy, we have committed to explore areas of healthcare in which disparities between men and women are greatest, including long-term conditions such as osteoporosis. We aim to publish the Women’s Health Strategy in spring 2022.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Children and Young People

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of (1) children, and (2) young people, who have been diagnosed as havingmyalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

Lord Kamall: No specific assessment has been made. However, recent data from the UK Biobank estimates that there are over 240,000 adults aged between 40 and 69 years old in England with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The number of children and young people diagnosed with ME is unknown.

Social Services: Expenditure

Lord Lipsey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of theadditional cost to public expenditure ofsetting the proposed cap on care costs at£35,000, rather than the proposed level of £86,000.

Lord Kamall: Lowering the cap from £86,000 to £35,000, while all other parameters remain unchanged, would double the estimated additional state spend for reform on older adults in 2027/28, when modelled in 2021/22 prices.

Care Homes and Carers: Coronavirus

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the impact of removing free lateral flow testing for care home visitors on unpaid carers.

Lord Kamall: The testing regime in adult social care from 1 April 2022 is currently under review and further details will be available shortly. We will continue to keep the impact of these COVID-19 policies on people with caring responsibilities, including unpaid carers, under review.

Fractures: Health Services

Baroness Merron: To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding they plan to make available for Fracture Liaison Services through (1) the Elective Recovery Fund, and (2) the Best MSK health programme.

Lord Kamall: Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are commissioned locally by clinical commissioning groups which are best placed to plan the provision of services subject to local prioritisation and funding. Service providers are also eligible to apply for funding for FLS to support elective recovery via the Elective Recovery Fund.The Best MSK health programme is working with a range of stakeholders to improve musculoskeletal services. The Best MSK health programme does not have its own budget to fund FLS.

Nurses

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last discussed progress on their pledge to recruit 50,000 new nurses into the NHS by 2024 with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN); and what assessment they have made of the concerns expressed by the RCN over the lack of transparent publication of workforce data.

Lord Kamall: The Department has held recent discussions with the Royal College of Nurses on this commitment. NHS Digital’s monthly workforce statistics include a headline measure for progress towards recruiting 50,000 nurses and a range of other detail. The data complies with the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Statistics, which promotes the production and dissemination of official statistics that inform decision making.

Department for Education

Further Education: Assessments

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what factors would trigger investigation by the Department for Education and other external agencies with regard to abnormal examination results inindependent colleges.

Baroness Barran: This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, which has responsibility for maintaining standards and confidence in regulated qualifications in England. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Dr Jo Saxton, to write to the noble Lord and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Higher Education: Standards

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) how many higher education providers have offered validation services, and (2) how many institutions have been validated, in each of the last five years.

Baroness Barran: The Office for Students (OfS) holds data on validation arrangements although this is dependent on the reliability of data submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency and Individual Learner Record to remain data collections. Previous inaccuracies in the data and other changes in the sector such as mergers between providers and providers leaving the higher education sector means that it is not possible to provide meaningful information over a 5- year period.In 2020/21 the OfS reports that:92 OfS-registered providers have been identified as the awarding body for other providers’ students, i.e. appeared to be offering validation services in 2020/21.310 OfS-registered providers identify another entity as the awarding body for some or all of their students i.e. appear to be utilising validation services in 2020/21. It should be noted that providers may start and exit validation arrangements as they see fit and are free to negotiate these contracts between themselves. As a result, the OfS cannot accurately determine precisely how many higher education providers have offered validation services, only how many have current validation arrangements in 2020/21.

Higher Education: Standards

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the press release Fairer higher education system for students and taxpayers, published on 24 February, what courses they consider to be of low quality and not leading to a graduate job with a good wage.

Baroness Barran: The government is consulting openly on the introduction of student number controls to improve outcomes from higher education (HE) for students, society and the economy.In response to this consultation, the government welcomes views on how we should identify the highest quality HE which offers the best outcomes, and such provision may be prioritised.

Pupil Premium

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the impact of the impact of Pupil Premium Plus on (1) the educational outcomes of previously looked after children, including attainment, and (2) the personal outcomes of previously looked after children.

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of Adoption UK’s report From Both Sides, published in February; and in particular, the finding that there is a lack of clarity around the purpose and appropriate use of Pupil Premium Plus for previously looked after children and that this is limiting its effectiveness.

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the recommendation in Adoption UK’s recent report From Both Sides, published in February, that a form of Personal Education Plan should be introduced as a statutory requirement for all previously looked after children to support effective use of Pupil Premium Plus.

Baroness Barran: The experiences and barriers that looked-after children face do not disappear when they leave care through adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements order, which can mean they experience poorer outcomes than children who have never been in care. In 2019, 41% of previously looked-after pupils reached the expected level in reading, writing and maths at key stage 2, which is lower than the 65% for non-looked-after children, but higher than that for looked-after children. Figures show that 47% of previously looked after children at the end of key stage 2 have a special educational need (SEN) identified, compared to 18% of non-looked after children. Attainment rates for children with a SEN are much lower. The higher prevalence of SEN amongst previously looked after children can partly explain the gap in attainment compared to non-looked after children at key stage 2.Pupil premium plus funding (of £2,345 per child per financial year in 2021/22), is managed by the child’s school. The ‘Using Pupil Premium’ guidance supports school leaders to use their funding effectively and explains that schools must ensure they consider the specific needs of previously looked-after children, and is available to view here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pupil-premium-effective-use-and-accountability.Statutory guidance for designated teachers includes information on both the use and management of the funding, including how they should involve the child’s parents or guardians in decisions affecting their child’s education, and is available to view here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-teacher-for-looked-after-children. Further, schools are required to publish a pupil premium strategy each December, setting out how they intend to use the funding to support eligible pupils and the outcomes that were achieved in the previous academic year. The statement is an accountability tool for the benefit of parents, governors and trustees, where schools are required to demonstrate that spending decisions have been informed by evidence, and what challenges among eligible pupils they are seeking to address.The Personal Education Plan is part of the wider care plan for looked-after children, as such they are not a statutory requirement for previously looked-after children. The additional support for previously looked-after children relies on self-declaration by adoptive parents and guardians and, whilst we have worked with the sector to encourage parents to declare, we respect their right to choose whether or not to declare their child’s previously looked-after status. Where additional needs are identified they should be addressed through the special educational needs support in schools or, where there is a higher level of need, in education and health care planning.

Schools: Biometrics

Lord Scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the interoperability of facial recognition and other biometric technologies used in schools with other government agencies such the police or health services.

Lord Scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of facial recognition and other biometric technology in schools.

Baroness Barran: The department has not undertaken any assessment of the use of facial recognition and other biometric technologies in schools or their interoperability with other government agencies. Any decision to use an automated biometric system should be taken after careful consideration by the headteacher and governors, and after appropriate consultation with pupils and parents. If they choose to do so, they must comply with all relevant legislation set out in the Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Office for Students

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps, if any, they have taken to ensure that the Office for Students’ regulatory approach is supportive of start-up and scale-up businesses and offers a stable environment for long-term investment.

Baroness Barran: The Office for Students (OfS) considers financial sustainability and business plans when assessing providers during registration.The OfS is planning further work on minimising regulatory burden on all providers, including those who are new and/or small, to support them to focus on high quality teaching and research. More detail on this, together with its regulatory approach, will be published later this month in the OfS’s new strategy for 2022 to 2025.The OfS also currently minimises the impact of its regulatory approach on micro and new providers by limiting its registration fees for those providers.The Higher Education (HE) (Registration Fees) (England) Regulations 2021 continue to contain a micro-entity exemption. This exemption protects the very smallest HE providers (employing up to 50 people) by providing a 100% registration fee exemption.These most recent regulations also retain protections for new providers in relation to registration fees: the regulations continue to allow for the OfS to charge reduced fees to those new institutions who decide to register with it.

Higher Education: Standards

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what was the average cost of validation per student, and (2) what assessment they have made of any increase in this cost, in each of the last five years.

Baroness Barran: Validation agreements are confidential commercial contractual arrangements between two parties and so neither the Department for Education, nor the Office for Students, holds this information.

Office for Students

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps, if any, the Office for Students has taken to encourage new providers to seek New Degree Awarding Powers (NDAPs) as an alternative to a market for validation services.

Baroness Barran: The Office for Students has offered the new degree awarding power’s (DAPs) application route since 2018. Full information on this is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/regulation/degree-awarding-powers/.Information about the new DAPs option for providers is also included in the regulatory framework, which was published in 2018.

Higher Education

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of potential benefits in enabling Indian Institutes of Technology and other accredited international providers to offer higher education in England.

Baroness Barran: The government’s update to the International Education Strategy, published in February 2021, sets out the importance of education partnerships and of identifying key opportunities for foreign direct investment into the United Kingdom. India is set out as a priority country for education engagement in this strategy. It is a key focus for the UK’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith.The 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations explicitly references education and research, and commits the department to expanding cooperation between its higher education institutions.

Higher Education

Lord Johnson of Marylebone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to set out clear and accessible guidance on the regulatory process for foreign institutions to register to provide higher education in England.

Baroness Barran: The Higher Education and Research Act 2017 sets out that the Office for Students (OfS) must establish and maintain a register of English higher education (HE) providers. New providers wishing to register with the OfS must be, or intend to become, an English HE provider. The OfS publishes advice and application documents for providers seeking to register on its website. This is available at: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/regulation/how-to-register/.

Ministry of Justice

Unpaid Fines: Debts Written Off

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much in outstanding fines was written off administratively in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does all that it can to ensure that defendants pay what they owe, and that justice is delivered. However, in very limited circumstances HMCTS will administratively cancel the outstanding balance. The scenarios in which this can happen are severely restricted, and, in the event that the defendant’s circumstances change, the balance can be written back and enforcement recommenced.The table below details the amounts of fines administratively written off and written back each financial year from 2016 onwardsFinancial yearAdministratively cancelled fines written off £000Administratively cancelled fines written back £000Net amount written off/ (written back) as disclosed in HMCTS Trust Statement  £0002016/173,057(20,782)(17,725)2017/1812,107(56,548)(44,441)2018/198,261(16,583)(8,322)2019/2010,938(1,480)9,4582020/219,442(645)8,797

Courts: Fines

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individual offenders were committed to prison as a way of enforcing a court fine in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The below table provides the number of committals to prison for non-payment of financial penalties imposed by the criminal courts. We are not able to say how many of these were made specifically in relation to fines. Sentenced* admissions into prison – for non-payment of financial penalties2016201720182019202039825716312563 * Sentenced admissions provide a count of prisoners that are classified as sentenced (i.e. the custodial punishment has been decided for the offender) following a court hearing for the first time in the reporting period.

Courts: Fines

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individual offenders were issued attendance centre orders as a way of enforcing a court fine in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The table provided below shows the number of cases heard in the magistrates’ court that resulted in a specific code to signal that an Attendance Centre Order (ACO) had been made in default of a financial penalty imposed by the criminal courts. It is possible that further ACOs were made that did not utilise this code. In respect of the data provided we are not able to say how many of these were made specifically in relation to fines (as opposed to other financial penalties). 20162017201820192020ACO86331383

Courts: Fines

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individual offenders were issued distress warrants as a way of enforcing a court fine in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: In 2016/17, 590,649 warrants of control (previously referred to as distress warrants) were issued in respect of financial penalties imposed by the criminal courts. Verifiable centralised records do not exist beyond this date and it would incur disproportionate costs to answer this question.

Courts: Fines

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individual offenders were issued deduction from benefit orders as a way of enforcing a court fine in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: Central data does not exist in respect of the total number of Deduction from Benefit Orders issued in respect of financial penalties imposed by the criminal courts. It would incur disproportionate costs to answer this question.

Courts: Fines

Lord Wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individual offenders were issued attachment of earnings orders as a way of enforcing a court fine in (1) 2016, (2) 2017, (3) 2018, (4) 2019, and (5) 2020.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: Central data does not exist in respect of the total number of Attachments of Earnings Orders issued in respect of financial penalties imposed by the criminal courts. It would incur disproportionate costs to answer this question.

Treasury

Banks: Russia

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have torecommend that major banks cease their operations in Russia.

Baroness Penn: The government welcomes the commitments already made by a number of UK firms to reduce or sell holdings of Russian assets and supports further signals of intent. The government also expects financial institutions to comply with the economic sanctions that are currently in place. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation has issued licenses where appropriate to enable the orderly wind down of business with specific sanctioned entities.

Humanitarian Aid

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to label humanitarian relief goods as non-commercial goods.

Baroness Penn: The Government strongly recommends that, wherever possible, organisations and people who would like to help should donate cash rather than donating goods. This can be done through the Disasters Emergency Committee campaign and other trusted charities and humanitarian aid organisations. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed, and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. However, the Government recognises that many individuals and organisations have already worked hard within their communities to collect aid and wish to see those donations reach those in need as quickly as possible. That is why we have introduced a customs easement to help ensure humanitarian aid goods sent to support those affected by the Ukraine crisis are fast-tracked. More information can be found on the gov.uk website.

Refugees: Ukraine

Lord Wigley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money they have earmarked for 2021–22 to meet the costs of refugees entering the UK from Ukraine; how much of this sum has been spent to date; and what is the sum budgeted for 2022–23 for the same purposes.

Baroness Penn: The UK has a proud history of providing protection to the most vulnerable people. To support those fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Home Office has launched the Ukraine Family Scheme to allow thousands of families to be reunited in the UK. The Scheme allows immediate and extended family members of British nationals and people settled in the UK to come to the country. Those joining family through the Scheme will be granted leave to remain for 3 years, giving them certainty and ensuring their future in the country. The Scheme is free, and does not include any salary or language requirements. Additionally, a new sponsored humanitarian visa route will be established to allow communities, private sponsors or local authorities to sponsor people to come the UK from Ukraine. The Treasury is working closely with departments across government on the design and funding of these new routes. In addition to these changes to the immigration system, the government has already committed around £400m to support the current crisis in Ukraine. This includes up to £220m in much-needed humanitarian aid, which will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, saving lives, protecting vulnerable people and creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities. It also includes a commitment to match-fund the public’s first £20m of donations to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, our largest ever aid-match contribution. UK government humanitarian experts have also been deployed to the region to bolster the UK's support to countries receiving those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Amar Shafiq Abu Afifa

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of press reports that teenager Amar Shafiq Abu Afifa was killed near Bethlehem by Israeli forces.

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Protection of Civilians Report: 25 January - 7 February 2022, dated 11 February; and in particular, the prevalence of the use of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We raise the issue of the high numbers of Palestinians killed and injured by Israeli Defence Forces in the West Bank and Gaza with the Israeli authorities, encouraging them to carry out swift, transparent and thorough investigations. Officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the case of Ammar Shafiq Abu Afifeh with the Israeli Authorities on 2 March. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population and urge restraint in the use of live fire.

Russia: Ukraine

Baroness Helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations of rape and sexual violence committed against civilians in Ukraine by Russian forces; and what steps they intend to take in response.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are horrified by reports of rape and sexual violence committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine. As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, Russia's barbaric acts must be investigated and those responsible held to account. That is why the UK worked with partners to refer the situation in Ukraine to the ICC, to establish a Commission of Inquiry through the UN Human Rights Council and, with the support of Ukraine, to establish an OSCE Mission of Experts under the Moscow Mechanism.

Russia: Ukraine

Baroness Helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that sexual violence in conflict committed against civilians in Ukraine is investigated and prosecuted, including as part of the International Criminal Court’s investigation of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Ukraine.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Russia's use of indiscriminate force against innocent civilians, in its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, is clear for all to see. It must be investigated and those responsible must be held to account. That is why the UK led 37 partners in referring the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC). We welcome the decision of the ICC Prosecutor to open an investigation, which includes allegations of sexual violence under Article 7 of the Rome Statute. We stand ready to provide the necessary technical assistance to the ICC to support successful convictions.

Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Red Line initiative pioneered by Dr Denis Mukwege which aims to establish a binding treaty obliging states to end sexual violence in conflict; and what plans they have, if any, to provide support for this initiative.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary is determined to strengthen the global response to conflict-related sexual violence and build a new consensus to prevent these atrocities.On 16 November 2021, the Foreign Secretary launched a campaign to end violence against women and girls in conflict around the world: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-launches-campaign-to-tackle-sexual-violence-in-conflict-around-the-worldWe are exploring all options for stronger international action, including a new international convention. The proposal put forward by Dr Mukwege during his time on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) has informed the UK's exploration of a new convention, and we will continue to engage closely with the Red Line Initiative as this work develops.

Kazakhstan: Demonstrations

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Kazakhstan on the status of (1) individuals arrested during protests in that country in January, and (2) the detention of former Prime Minister Karim Massimov.

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, given the reported violations of human rights in Kazakhstan and the treatment of former Prime Minister Karim Massimov, what assessment they have made of (1) the threat to the UK’s long-term relations with Kazakhstan, and (2) the UK's wider security interests in the region.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government is following events in Kazakhstan closely. We greatly regret the loss of life and injuries sustained as a result of unrest in January and condemned the violence and destruction of property that occurred. We await a full account of what led to these unprecedented events.In my recent meetings with Kazakh counterparts, including Deputy Foreign Minister Vassilenko on 2 March, I [Lord Ahmad] asked for an update on the commission set up by President Tokayev to investigate the causes of the violence. We have stressed that this process should be conducted urgently, transparently and effectively, and have sought reassurance that Kazakhstan's international human rights obligations, including commitments to due process and freedom of speech and expression, will be respected.Kazakhstan is an important partner for the UK. We have built a productive dialogue and wide-ranging ties over the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, sharing experience and jointly tackling global challenges including on security issues. We are committed to furthering that cooperation and will seek opportunities, with international partners, to encourage the economic and social reform priorities set out by President Tokayev.

Zimbabwe: Health Services

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the shortage of health care workers in Zimbabwe, what discussions, if any, they have had with the (1) government of Zimbabwe, and (2) World Health Organisation, about Zimbabwe remaining on the World Health Organisation Health Workforce Support and Safeguard Green List.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We regularly engage with the Government of Zimbabwe on a breadth of health care issues. Our Embassy officials met with the Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care at the beginning of March. The UK is one of the largest donors to Zimbabwean health care. Between 2017 and 2022, the UK will have provided £130 million of support through the pooled Health Development Fund (HDF). The HDF focuses on delivering sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health and nutrition services including support to health workers in primary health care facilities. The UK also provides critical support to Zimbabwe's health sector via global health initiatives like the Global Fund, GAVI and the Global Finance Facility.The UK supports the freedom of movement of skilled workers and follows the guidelines as set out in the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguard Green List. We will continue to engage the World Health Organisation to ensure a strategic approach to health worker recruitment, retention and migration.

Sudan: Politics and Government

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the political situation in Sudan; and what diplomatic initiatives they are pursuing, together with international partners, to enjoin Sudan’s military leaders to begin talks with civilian leaders to put the country back on a transitional path to democracy.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Since the 25 October 2021 military coup, Ministers, British Embassy staff in Khartoum and senior FCDO officials have continued to call for all political actors to engage in dialogue and support the return to the democratic transition. Most recently on 2 March, we released a statement welcoming a report on progress in the UN facilitated talks to end the crisis and the strong consensus it highlights on issues such as the need for a civilian cabinet, justice and accountability, and the role of women in the transition. Our statement made a clear call for all sides to engage in the next phase of talks to help achieve this. Working with partners, including the US, Norway, EU, Saudi Arabia and UAE, we will continue to use our diplomatic engagement in Khartoum, the region and elsewhere to support the UN-led talks. This includes maintaining pressure on the Sudanese military to engage, a message delivered most recently on 3 March in meetings with Sudan's military leadership in Khartoum by senior FCDO officials.

South Sudan: Refugees

The Earl of Sandwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of (1) the (a) number, and (b) countries of origin, of refugees currently in South Sudan, and (2) the number of South Sudanese refugees in (a) Uganda, and (b) other countries; and what support they have provided to these refugees during the last 12 months.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UN estimates that there are 335,000 refugees in South Sudan, the majority from Sudan. The UN also estimates that there are 2.34 million South Sudanese refugees hosted by neighbouring countries including 962,000 in Uganda, 798,000 in Sudan, 390,000 in Ethiopia, 136,000 in Kenya and 56,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In South Sudan the UK does not provide specific assistance to support refugees, but remains a leading humanitarian donor aiming to reach 2 million people this year with some form of humanitarian assistance. During the financial year 2020/21 UK assistance included: £36.8 million to support refugees and migrants from South Sudan and elsewhere who are in Ethiopia; £26.5 million via the refugee support programme in Uganda to help refugees from South Sudan and the DRC; and £3.5 million via the Kenya Integrated Refugee and Host Community programme (a five-year £69.1 million programme of support).

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of (1) rape, and (2) the sterilisation, of Tigrayan women, in Tigray; and what evidence, if any, they have collected of such crimes.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are appalled at the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray. The Foreign Secretary has made sexual violence in conflict one of her top priorities. We are working to promote justice for survivors of sexual violence, to provide support to survivors and children born of conflict related sexual violence and to prevent sexual violence from occurring. We deployed one of the UK's Team of Experts to Ethiopia to investigate how to improve health and social services for survivors, identify how access to justice can be strengthened, and scale up the UK's response to conflict-related sexual violence. We are now implementing the expert's recommendations with partners in Ethiopia.We have supported the Joint Investigation into human rights abuses and violations during the conflict, conducted by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and we welcome the Ethiopian Government's creation of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce to take forward recommendations of Joint Investigation report. At a special session of the Human Rights Council on 17 December 2021, we backed a resolution that created an International Commission of Experts to investigate allegations of violations in Ethiopia, including those of sexual violence. We urge all parties to engage with this Commission.We call on all parties to the conflict to act decisively to cease all human rights violations, including the perpetration of conflict-related sexual violence.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Tigray.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia. The conflict is causing appalling suffering to the civilian population, with over 400,000 people in Tigray now living in famine-like conditions and almost 30 million in need of urgent humanitarian assistance across the country. The humanitarian response in Tigray is now at standstill owing to the de facto blockade of the region imposed by the Government of Ethiopia since July 2021 and also due to ongoing military action by Tigrayan Defence Forces along the Tigray-Afar border.We are working with our international partners and humanitarian agencies so that in the event that access is granted or when there is an easing of the blockade relief can be delivered to Tigray as quickly as possible. UK funding to the crisis in the north has included support to help strengthen humanitarian logistics, to improve the security of the response and to augment civil-military coordination. All parties to the conflict in the north must agree a ceasefire and allow aid to reach people in need.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported deliberate denial of (1) food, and (2) medicines, to the people of Tigray; and what steps they are taking to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: On her visit to Ethiopia in January 2022, Vicky Ford MP (FCDO Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean) met the Ethiopian Minister for Health who committed to increasing the number of humanitarian flights reaching Tigray. Since that meeting, there has been marked increase in humanitarian flights principally carrying medical aid. Almost 20 metric tons of aid reached Mekelle by air during the period 7 - 11 March, for example. In February over a ten day period the International Committee of the Red Cross flew ten cargo flights into Mekelle carrying medical supplies. We welcome efforts to improve air access but highlight that this method of transport is prohibitively expensive and is not able to meet the level of needs in Tigray. We call on all parties to the conflict to urgently facilitate overland aid delivery.

Department for Work and Pensions

Employment: Disability

Lord Touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government which sectors they have identified as providing particular opportunities to employ disabled people.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: Disabled people work across all industries and sectors but are relatively more likely (42.6%), compared to non-disabled (35.4%) people, to work in the health, retail and education sectors1. Disabled workers are less likely to be working in the private sector than non-disabled workers and consequently more likely to be working in the public sector (26.5% of disabled workers in the public sector and 23.1% of non-disabled workers in the public sector). Employers within the Disability Confident scheme provide employment opportunities, including for disabled people, across a wide range of industry sectors. When signing up to the scheme employers must commit to 5 actions and at least 1 activity that will make a positive difference to the employment of disabled people. The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace. It provides employers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled people in the workplace. DWP also works with sector facing Departments across Government to identify the particular barriers faced by jobseekers, including those with a disability, and consider what Government and industry can do together to remove these barriers, in order to help people into work at a time of record vacancies. 1 Source: Annual Population Survey 2020/21

Employment: Disability

Lord Touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in reducing the disability employment gap, in the last 12 months.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Government has two main goals with regards to disability employment; to see one million more disabled people in work between 2017 and 2027 and reduce the disability employment gap. Since 2013, the earliest comparable year, up to the start of the pandemic the general trend in disability employment was positive. There was strong growth in the number and rate of disabled people in employment and a narrowing of the gap between the rate of disabled and non-disabled people in employment. The pandemic initially reversed these trends with year-on-year changes showing a fall in the disability employment rate and a widening of the disability employment gap during 2020. In 2021 however the rate and gap returned to near pre-pandemic levels. The disability employment gap was 28.9 percentage points in Q4 2021, the latest available data. This is an overall decrease of 4.8 percentage points since the same quarter in 2013.

Employment: Disability

Lord Touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many events have they held to meet and persuade employers to employ disabled people as part of their policy to close the disability employment gap, in each of the last three years.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: Throughout these unprecedented times, the DWP Disability Confident (DC) Team has continued to work collaboratively with DC Leader organisations on a series of webinars (26 to date), covering topics, such as: Virtual Hiring, Recruitment and Retention, Mental Health in the Workplace and Workplace Adjustments. The DC Team has delivered employer focused online events (11), entitled ‘A little less conversation, A little more action’ with DWP Work and Health Programme Providers and DC Leaders with the aim of encouraging employers to attract, recruit and retain disabled people. The team has actively supported MPs to sign up to the scheme and has delivered employer focused events (8) in local constituencies to encourage sign-up to DC and have also co-facilitated a number of external events with other organisations, including national conferences to raise the profile of disability employment. The DC Team has delivered an inaugural DC Awards ceremony (December 2021) in collaboration with the Business Disability Forum awarding employers from across the UK, who had actively encouraged the employment of disabled people. Colleagues across Jobcentre Plus work on a daily basis with employers at both a national and local level and through these relationships secure support for our customers. This includes securing commitments to recruit disabled people and demonstrating this by joining the Disability Confident Scheme. This is done through both discussions with individual employers and also through local employer events

Employment: Disability

Lord Touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government who is the responsible Minister for closing the disability employment gap; and how many staff are engaged in these efforts.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: Chloe Smith MP is the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work. Her portfolio includes responsibility for supporting disabled people to get into and remain in work, to close the disability employment gap. We do not hold details on the overall number of staff engaged across the broad range of initiatives that are contributing to closing the disability employment gap. Staff from across the DWP who are responsible for supporting disabled people into work include Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) and Disability Employment Adviser Leaders (DEALs), Work Coaches, and National Employer Partnership Team. From April 2021, DWP began increasing the number of DEAs to 1,000 and DEALs to 115 across Great Britain. By January 2022 DEA numbers had increased to almost 900, nearly double the number in place a year earlier; and over 100 DEA leaders.

Employment: Disability

Lord Touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government what funds have been allocated to encourage business and industry to employ disabled people; and what is the total value of these funds.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: We recently announced that we are providing £1.3bn over the SR21 period for employment support for disabled people and/or people with health conditions, including to encourage business and industry to employ disabled people. This funds a range of initiatives, for example extending contracted employment support programmes, expanding employment support in NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services across England, and continued support for the Disability Confident employers scheme. The programme includes funding for Access to Work, a demand-led, discretionary grant to de-risk the recruitment and retention of disabled people for employers. It provides practical and financial support for the disability related extra costs of working that disabled people may face which are beyond standard reasonable adjustments. The grant can provide up to £62,900 worth of flexible, personalised support per person per year. The 21/22 budget for Access to Work grant expenditure is £151.9m.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Food Supply

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia, what plans they have to strengthen food security in the UK.

Lord Benyon: Recognising the importance of food security, in the Agriculture Act 2020 the Government made a commitment to produce an assessment of our food security at least once every three years. The first UK Food Security Report was published in December 2021, and shows that, overall, the UK has a highly resilient food supply. As we have seen over recent times, the food supply has coped well in responding to unprecedented challenges.The UK's food import dependency on the Eastern European region is very low, so Defra does not expect any significant direct impact of this conflict on UK food supply. Ministers meet regularly with food industry figures, who remain confident in the supply chain. We will continue to speak with the industry to understand any potential pressures.Defra has increased its engagement with industry through various forums to understand significant impacts of the Russian invasion on individual industries and supply chains in Defra's sectors.Defra is well-versed in responding to disruption. Extensive work in this space has reinforced the long-standing view that the most effective response to food supply disruption is industry led, with appropriate support and enablement from Government.

Home Office

Human Trafficking: Syria

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessments they have made of the reports by (1) the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Trafficked Britons in Syria, published on 10 February, and (2) Reprieve, published on 30 April 2021; and what steps they will take in response.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has noted the reports of the All-Party Parliamentary Group and Reprieve, and thanks them for their continued engagement on these challenging issues.We acknowledge that North East Syria is a complex, fragile environment with significant humanitarian and security concerns. The UK continues to work with international partners to support camps in Syria, funding the provision of critical supplies including food, water, healthcare and shelter. The continuing humanitarian and security issues will need to be addressed both by the local authorities in the region and the international community.The Government’s highest priority is to ensure the safety and security of the UK. Those individuals who remain in Syria include some of the most dangerous, choosing to stay to fight or otherwise support Daesh.

Coronavirus: Travel Requirements

Lord Willoughby de Broke: To ask Her Majesty's Government why UK nationals returning to the UK are still required to complete Passenger Locator Forms following the removal of all other COVID-19 requirements.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and respond effectively to any variants of concern, U.K. health authorities must have the correct contact and travel information for all passengers arriving into the U.K. Consequently, the completion of an accurate Passenger Locator Form (PLF) remains a mandatory requirement for travel.The current international travel regulations require different measures to be taken dependant on a passenger’s vaccination status. The PLF enables passengers to verify their vaccine status through the form.The PLF has recently been updated to simplify the form and extend the completion window. As other measures at the border are lifted, health measures remain under regular review and adjusted in line with the latest public health advice. The necessity of the form and its contents is kept under constant review.

Immigration Officers

Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many additional passport control staff they plan to deploy at (1) ports, (2) airports, and (3) the Channel Tunnel terminus, to handle the increasing number of international travellers following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions; and what assessment they have made of (a) the current waiting times for passport control clearance, and (b) the impact on the tourism industry.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Our utmost priority is protecting the safety and health of the public. This means occasionally passengers will occasionally need to accept an increase in the time taken to cross the border. We will never compromise on border security and remain committed to keeping the border secure. We are deploying additional officers to provide support as and when required to do this. Resource and staffing requirements at every port are continually reviewed by Border Force working and resources are deployed flexibly as and when they are required.

Migrant Workers: Fisheries

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the visa requirements for non-EEA fishermen who operate on UK-owned vessels out of UK fishing ports.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the fish Producer Organisations in the UK regarding the visa requirements for non-EEA fishermen who wish to operate on UK-owned vessels out of UK fishing ports.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Acting upon advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Government broadened the skills threshold of the Skilled Worker route and introduced a lower salary threshold which, as modelling by the MAC suggests, strikes a reasonable balance between access to labour and controlling immigration. It is also far more flexible than the previous immigration system. We do not distinguish between EEA and Non-EEA nationals as eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa is not based on nationality.Eligible offshore occupations under this route include deckhands (on 9m+ fishing vessels), engineers, engine room attendants, ferryman, merchant seaman, seaman and firms can hire overseas workers provided salary and English language requirements are met.It has been the Government’s longstanding position that permission to work is required in UK territorial waters.As ever, we continue to regularly engage and work with stakeholders from all areas of fishing industry.

Hamas

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by HonestReportingHelp Combat Hamas Terrorism, published on 2 February; and what assessment they have made of the warning within the report by Lloyd's of London against its members doing business with Hamas.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The UK has a robust legislative framework which criminalises the financing of terrorism in all its forms. The Government regularly meets with the banking sector, regulators and non-profit organisations to identify, assess and understand the risk of terrorist financing and collaborate to respond to the risks that are identified, including producing appropriate guidance and best practice on risk mitigation measures.The Home Secretary extended the proscription of Hamas to cover the organisation in its entirety in November 2021. The extension makes all of Hamas’ assets ‘terrorist property’, it also makes it illegal for people to be members or supporters of Hamas, with a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Hamas is also subject to an asset freeze under the Counter-Terrorism (International Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.The investigation and prosecution of offences is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service. It would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further on such matters

Northern Ireland Office

Refugees: Ukraine

Lord Wigley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether refugees from Ukraine who have been given the right to remain in the Republic of Ireland are entitled to cross the border into Northern Ireland.

Lord Caine: The situation in Ukraine is a humanitarian crisis and the Government is taking concrete steps to provide sanctuary to those affected through the Ukraine Family Scheme. A new sponsorship route, which will allow Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored to come here, also launched this month. Ukrainians in Ireland wishing to come to the UK should apply to do so before seeking to travel to the UK including travelling across the land border into Northern Ireland. The Government is using a variety of communications channels and working with a range of stakeholders to support Ukrainian nationals seeking safe passage to the United Kingdom, regardless of whether they are travelling across the CTA or from elsewhere in the world.

Department for International Trade

UK Trade with EU

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what further steps they are taking to help businesses export to European markets.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: Our refreshed Export Strategy, Made in the UK Sold to the World, focuses on a business-facing 12 point action plan to support exporters. At the centre of this transformation is our new Export Support Service, launched in October 2021, which provides a single point of contact and entry for businesses exporting to Europe and helps businesses to navigate government support. The UK Export Academy provides free training, mentoring and resources to boost British businesses’ global trading capability. Our new Trade and investment offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast will ensure trade opportunities and support are available to businesses UK-wide, levelling up export growth and supporting jobs.

Trade Promotion

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent progress they have made in implementing their Made in the UK, Sold to the World strategy.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The 12-point strategy has a range of new and existing support measures and we are focused on delivery. For instance, following a successful regional pilot, the Export Academy is now available to businesses across the country. The Export Support Service (ESS) resolves questions businesses have about trading with Europe and will expand this year to cover more global markets.Our new Made in the UK, Sold to the World campaign promotes the opportunities of exporting to UK businesses. UK Export Finance has enhanced its offer to better support the finance needs of UK exporters by expanding its product range, increasing engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises, and seeking opportunities for UK exporters through its growing overseas network. We continue to work towards opening new markets for UK exporters through our new trade deals and broader work to remove market access barriers.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership: Dispute Resolution

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential effect of investor state dispute settlement provisions in the CPTPP on business in the UK.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: Investment protection provisions protect investors and their investments against discrimination, unfair treatment and expropriation of their assets without due process or compensation. Investor state dispute settlement provisions exist to protect British businesses and investments abroad, including pension funds and small and medium sized enterprises. The UK already has investor-dispute settlement mechanisms in place with 90 countries and has never been taken to a tribunal using these mechanisms. Accession to Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will help to secure the UK’s already strong position in investment.

Trade Agreements

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent steps they have taken to increase the proportion of UK trade through free trade agreements.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: We have secured free trade agreements (FTAs) with 70 countries plus the EU, covering trade worth £772 billion in 2020. So far, this year, we have signed an FTA with New Zealand and a Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore, commenced the second round of FTA negotiations with India, launched a consultation for an enhanced FTA with Israel, and launched FTA negotiations with Greenland. We are preparing for FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Canada and Mexico, which we expect to launch later this year.

Trade Agreements: Conditions of Employment

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that workers' rights are maintained in trade agreements.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: HM Government shares the public’s high regard for workers’ rights and the trade deals secured with both Australia and New Zealand recently demonstrate that we will work hard to maintain a high level of protection for our labour standards in trade agreements.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Broadcasting: Hacking

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of hackers to hack into UK terrestrial broadcasters' news output.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The Government is committed to making the UK the safest place to live and work online.It is vital that organisations take action to ensure they are resilient to cyber threats. The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, continues to support the BBC, commercial broadcasters, and terrestrial television and radio network operators by providing them with detailed advice and guidance on protective measures they can take to strengthen their cyber security resilience and reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack.

Cultural Heritage: Tigray

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to investigate the sale in the UK of ancient artefacts stolen from Ethiopia’s Tigray region as part of the ongoing conflict in that area.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: HM Government is committed to combating the illicit trade in cultural objects. We have a range of provisions in international and domestic UK law, including criminal offences, to protect cultural objects from unlawful removal and illicit trade. The investigation of cases of illicit trade in cultural objects is a matter for the police, and the prosecution of such cases is a matter for the relevant prosecuting authorities. UK authorities work with online selling platforms, such as eBay, to combat the sale of stolen cultural objects. The Government encourages anyone who believes that a cultural object is being unlawfully traded to raise it with the appropriate authorities.